ABSTRACT
Compressing an image is signicantly dierent from compressing raw binary data. Of course, general-purpose compression programs can be used to compress images, but the result is less than optimal. is is because images have certain statistical properties that can be exploited by encoders specically designed for them. Also, some of the ner details in the image can be sacriced for the sake of saving a little more bandwidth or storage space. is also means that lossy compression techniques can be used in this area. Lossless compression deals with compressing data in such a way that an exact replica of the original data is obtained upon decompression. is is the case when binary data such as executables, documents, etc., are compressed. ey need to be exactly reproduced when decompressed. On the other hand, images need not be reproduced exactly. An approximation of the original image is enough for most purposes, as long as the error between the original and the compressed image is tolerable.
